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Summit to Move to Tokyo in Case of Typhoon

Date Posted: 1999-11-19

The Government of Japan has selected Tokyo as a compensation site of Nago City in case a typhoon hit Okinawa Island around the period of the G-8 Summit. Tokyo would also benefit from any bad weather around Okinawa that disturbs the safe landing of airplanes on the island.

A comment from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo expressed the wish that there would be no typhoons heading towards Okinawa during that period. However, Tokyo authorities have started making alternative plans for the Summit. Two main reasons why Tokyo has been retained as a suitable last minute alternative are: 1) the Japanese capital city is most suited to offer accommodations and security within a short term period; 2) all the G-8 member nations have diplomatic representations in Tokyo. The Ministry has already temporarily reserved about 4,000 hotel rooms in the Tokyo area for delegates and the foreign press corps.

According to statistical data from the Okinawa Meteorological Observatory, 21 typhoons have lashed out on Okinawa within the last 31 years. This year, 2 typhoons hit the Island during the period between July 25th and August 4th.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also been discussing the possible usage of the airfield on Kadena Air Base as a temporary site for some of the participating countries. However, there are many opponents to this plan. The Japanese Foreign Ministry has admitted that it still has a lot to do before the Summit next July.